OMB kicks off search for new deputy federal CIO

The Office of Management and Budget is seeking applicants for the position of deputy federal chief information officer as Maria Roat, who currently serves in the post, is expected to retire at the end of the month.

In a job posting published on USAJobs.gov this week, OMB said it was seeking applicants who possess expert-level experience with federal IT policy and practices, in addition to a current understanding of key government IT matters like the Technology Modernization Fund, the interagency CIO Council and the Shared Service Governance Board. 

The OMB job posting also featured lists of "mandatory executive core qualifications" and "fundamental competencies," which include traits like "superior negotiation and communication skills," a broad range of knowledge around emerging IT and communication trends, as well as a demonstrated ability to solve complex management problems.

The deputy chief information officer (DCIO) serves under the federal chief information officer, a position currently held by Clare Martorana, and is tasked with advising her and others on IT policy and oversight issues, including the OMB director, deputy director and deputy director for management. The DCIO also ensures effective coordination among agency CIOs, while designing and implementing IT performance measures to be used during agency reviews. 

Roat, who has served as deputy federal CIO since May 2020 and held numerous positions in federal information technology over the last 15 years, confirmed her retirement plans in January following a career in government that spanned more than four decades, including military service.

Martorana released a statement at the time celebrating Roat's accomplishments and describing the DCIO position as "crucial in providing a cross-government view of agency challenges and identifying opportunities to scale secure technology and sound data-management practices across government."

The DCIO also plays a key role in the development of the annual president's budget request and other legislative proposals which drive federal IT policy, coordinating with the federal chief information security officer and other stakeholders throughout the process. If necessary, the deputy CIO also serves as acting federal CIO in times of a vacancy, as Roat did prior to Martorana's appointment.

The application for the DCIO position closes on March 29. The role is based in Washington D.C. and requires a top secret security clearance. All applicants must be U.S. citizens or nationals.